The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning to continue its hazard reduction burn program in the Kosciuszko National Park from Monday 26 April, weather permitting.
Acting NPWS Director Anthony Evans said that NPWS crews, supported by other agencies are aiming to complete between 5 and 8 burns over the next week. Weather and other factors have restricted our opportunities to burn this autumn, and we are pushing to get these burns completed as our window of opportunity to successfully reduce the fuels this autumn is almost closed.
Burns will be carried out in numerous areas throughout both southern and northern Kosciuszko National Park and also Wereboldera and Minjary National Parks near Tumut.
"These burns will help protect the Parks and to limit the potential spread of wildfire to surrounding private properties," Mr Evans said.
"Weather conditions look to be ideal for these burns to start about 11am on Monday the 26 April and motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and observe and warning signs or directions from fire crews.
"Public access to some areas will be closed during the burning operations, in particular the lower Thredbo Valley Track during Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Smoke from the burn program may be visible near Jindabyne and Bombala and the NSW Victorian border early in the week, and Tumut and Brindabella area in the latter part of the week.
Smoke will likely be visible for a number of days. "We thank our neighbours and visitors to the Region for their understanding".
"People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors," Mr Evans said.
These burns are among about 20 burns the NPWS plans to carry out this autumn. They are some of the many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS across NSW each year, many with the assistance of the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation.
